Rotterdam's sandy seawalls to be bound by rugged marram grass

 MAASVLAKTE 2, the Port of Rotterdam expansion, is taking shape after 190 million cubic metres of sand have been sprayed on. Shortly, the new land will be protected on the western side against the sea by around six kilometres of dunes.


Between February and the end of April 2011, the contractor will be planting four kilometres on the seaward side of these 14-metre-high sand dunes with marram grass to bind the sand of the new dunes and prevent erosion.


Marram grass is a strong plant that can withstand wind and salt with roots can grow six to nine metres and bind the sand of the dunes.


A total of 200,000-300,000 cubic metres of dunes will be planted with marram grass to form the soft sea defences of the development. It is expected that the final two kilometres will be planted in the autumn. When that work has been finished, the area will contain around 1.5 million plants, a statement from port authorities said.
(Source:http://www.schednet.com)